John Wetton Healing After Cancer Surgery

John Wetton, frontman for Asia and a former bassist for King Crimson, is in high spirits following a successful cancer surgery at a London hospital.

On May 16, surgical staff at the Harley Street Clinic, a world-class private medical facility specializing in cancer treatment, removed a 1 kilo malignant tumor from the renowned prog rock musician’s abdomen. After more than a week’s stay there he was finally released today.

“I’m leaving hospital with Lisa this morning to go home for R&R. I thank the entire @harleystreetclinic staff from the bottom of my heart,” Wetton tweeted early Wednesday morning while preparing to depart the clinic with girlfriend Lisa Nojaim, who plays percussion on the road with the psychedelic rock duo Edison’s Children.

In a statement, Wetton personally thanked surgeon Chris Chan and said he was “beyond grateful for the wonderful wishes and prayers received” from fans and well-wishers.

Overjoyed with the happy outcome, Asia keyboardist Geoffrey Downes also shared his feelings on Twitter.

“Good news to hear my old Asia bezza John Wetton is now recuperating after surgery,” he tweeted. “We’re all backing you for a speedy recovery, mon brave!!”

While he’s best known for singing, writing songs and holding down bass with Asia and serving as King Crimson’s bassist from ‘72 to ‘74, Wetton’s had a rather extraordinary career outside those two famous groups. In addition to being a much-desired session player and successful solo artist, he’s also put his musical talents to work for Uriah Heep, Mogul Thrash, Family, Roxy Music, and Wishbone Ash.

Asia released its fourteenth album Gravitas in March of last year. Their new audio-visual release Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII, will be available on CD/DVD and Blu-Ray this June.

2 Comments

Lorenzo Vas

— May 31, 2015 4:08:05 pm

What a splendid career that remarkable one by John Wetton, an unforgettable bassist by King Crimson and superband UK, among his several important music projects and collaborations as well! We hope to see you soon live on stage! Good luck and get well soon hero!